But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank.” Daniel 1:8a
A man, woman boy or girl of purpose will not be easily persuaded because they will be grounded in principle. I once heard these words, “It is easier to make decisions when you are grounded in principles.” A child of God will know the Word of God and will apply that which it says in the strength of the Holy Spirit. God’s People in Daniel’s time were strangers in a strange land. Circumstances do not have to dilute our purpose. To be a person of purpose is to be a person with a plan- before the temptation or the trial ever presents its self. Before the first word is spoken- Before the first step is taken our hearts will be steadfast in this, “He would not defile himself.” By no means are we today being held captive by the Babylonians yet we like Israel are in a strange land. This world is not our home. We are strangers in a strange land.
Consider these three thoughts-
1. Daniel had a Desire- That no king was going to dilute. He was purposed! Daniel looked past the king and fixed his eyes upon the King of kings. Circumstance did not dilute Daniels desire it only made him more resolute in his purpose.
2. Daniel had a Determination- That no portion from the kings table was going to derail. He was purposed! Daniel wasn’t a rogue rebel who threw the food to the floor he trusted God and asked the eunuch, “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.” (Daniel 1:12) We don’t have to make a scene to take a stand.
3. Daniel had a Declaration- That no scenario would dampen. His trust in God was declared and it was made known for all to see in and through the purposed decisions he made in his everyday life. Not only before the king’s table, but also in his time of prayer and in the depths of the lion’s den.
I pray that you will allow God full access to your heart and thus your life that He may guide and lead you to the path of a life of purpose.
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